Printing labels to thermal printers from SAP R/3 White Paper

Version 20051003-01

2005 SATO International Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. http://www.satoworldwide.com softwaresupport@sato-int.com

SATO Label Gallery is registered trademark of SATO International Pte Ltd Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Table of Contents
1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 3 1.1 SAP R/3 ..................................................................................... 3 1.2 Label Gallery Software ............................................................ 3 1.3 GalleryDrivers........................................................................... 4 1.4 GalleryMemMaster ................................................................... 4 1.5 GalleryWatch ............................................................................ 4 1.6 GalleryCommands ................................................................... 5 2 Printing methods ..................................................................................... 6 2.1 Introduction .............................................................................. 6 2.1.1 Upload Method................................................................. 6 2.1.2 Automated Printing .......................................................... 8 2.1.3 Batch printing - JOB command files ................................ 9 2.1.4 ActiveX integration (SAP Business One)....................... 10 2.1.5 SAPWin.......................................................................... 11 2.1.6 Direct printing from SAP (SAP Smart Forms)................ 11 2.2 Upload method explained step by step ............................... 12 2.2.1 Requirements for the Upload method............................ 12 2.2.2 Step 1: Designing label with Label Gallery .................... 13 2.2.3 Step 2: Downloading label definition into the ITF file..... 14 2.2.4 Step 3: Uploading label file to SAPscript ....................... 14 2.2.5 Step 4: Adjusting SAPscript form................................... 14 2.2.6 Step 5: Creating a suitable R/3 device type................... 15 2.2.7 Step 6: Defining output device....................................... 15 2.2.8 Special notes for SATO printers .................................... 15 3 Frequently Asked Questions................................................................ 16 3.1 How can I change label design if I use upload method? ..................................................................... 16 3.2 Does Upload method support EAN.UCC 128 bar code? ................................................................................ 16 4 Appendix ................................................................................................ 18 Label Gallery Product Overview............................................... 18

Printing labels from SAP R3

1 Introduction
SAP R/3 is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software that contains many applications used for warehousing, shipping, goods tracking, as well as in the automotive and chemical industry. In short, SAP R/3 is used everywhere where labeling printing demand exists. Label Gallery offers very user-friendly support for SAP R/3 applications. One of the most important things with Label Gallery support for SAP R/3 is that you do not need to understand a printers programming language to create and print a label. This White Paper contains all necessary information how to print labels in SAP R/3 environment with Label Gallery software.

1.1 SAP R/3

SAP R/3 is an integrated software solution for client/server and distributed open systems. SAP R/3 is the world's most used standard business software for client/server computing. R/3 meets the needs of customers from the small grocery store with 3 users to the multibillion dollar company with multiple users. The software is highly customizable using SAP proprietary programming language, ABAP/4. R/3 is scalable and highly TrueProd for many types and sizes of organizations. The R/3 architecture includes application and database servers. The application servers house the software and the database servers handle document updates and master file databases. The system can support an unlimited number of servers and a variety of hardware configurations. SAP R/3 is based on various hardware and software architectures, running on most types of UNIX, on Windows and OS/400. SAP R/3 runs on several databases such as Oracle, Adabas D, Informix, DB2 for UNIX, DB2/400 and Microsoft SQL Server 6.0. Since the release of R/3, SAP has made significant development and installed thousands of R/3 systems. For more information about SAP R/3 please visit SAP home page at http://www.sap.com/.

1.2 Label Gallery Software

Label Gallery is a family of professional labeling software products that brings a complete bar code printing solution and RFID Smart Label printing to desktop, mobile and enterprise users. Label Gallery offers an intuitive user interface, wide range of functionality, and numerous ways of integration and customization. Label Gallery software runs on any 32-bit windows based operating system such as Windows 98 SE, Windows NT 4.0, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Label Gallery software can be used with any kind of printer drivers but works best with GalleryDrivers. GalleryDrivers create the optimal printer command file that is sent to the printer and accelerate printing. In some label printing methods from SAP system (Upload method1) you must use GalleryDrivers, for other methods GalleryDrivers are not necessary and you can use any printer driver. Label Gallery software is available in several editions. To print labels from SAP R/3, you need the edition Label Gallery TruePro. Label Gallery TruePro is the most powerful package of the Label Gallery software family. Label Gallery TruePro consists of several applications, such as Label Gallery Pro as the main label design software and additional modules like GalleryWatch, GalleryForm, GalleryData, and GalleryMemMaster. For more information about Label Gallery software please visit the website http://www.satoworldwide.com/.

Explained later in the document. Refer to the chapter Upload Method on page 6

Printing labels from SAP R3

1.3 GalleryDrivers
GalleryDrivers present full-featured Windows drivers developed for all major thermal printer brands. GalleryDrivers can be used with any Windows application in Windows 95/98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. However, the optimal printing results can only be achieved in the combination with Label Gallery software. Label Gallery software can communicate with GalleryDrivers using the direct method to ensure fast label processing and printing. The major benefit using GalleryDrivers is their knowledge about the printers internal commands and functionality. GalleryDrivers enable you to use all internal printer elements, such as internal fonts, bar codes, lines, rectangles, serialization counters, and memory cards. GalleryDrivers forward all this knowledge about printer functionality to the Label Gallery software. GalleryDrivers are in constant development and new versions are released frequently. They can be used free of charge and are available for download from the Label Gallery website. For more information and latest updates visit the Label Gallery website at http://www.satoworldwide.com.

1.4 GalleryMemMaster
GalleryMemMaster is the utility used to download TrueType/Type 1 and similar fonts and graphics to the printer's internal memory, FLASH memory, external memory cards, etc. GalleryMemMaster is also very useful when your label contains variable text elements formatted in True Type fonts, or when you want to use variable graphics on the label. Such True Type fonts and images behave like resident elements and can be downloaded to the printer's memory. When you print labels from SAP R/3 using the Upload method some limitations apply to the label design. Because Label Gallery in this printing mode is not available at print time, all variable elements on the label need to be installed on the printer. Usually, this means using only internal printer fonts. But with GalleryMemMaster you can break this barrier. You can download True Type fonts to the memory card that can be used as internal fonts. For more information about GalleryMemMaster please refer to the Label Gallery TruePro documentation.
2

1.5 GalleryWatch
GalleryWatch is an integration middle-ware. It is an event-driven application monitoring and detecting many different formats of incoming data that can trigger a start of label production. GalleryWatch also makes the label production from non-windows applications possible. In most cases, data is exported from external or non-windows applications and saved to a text file that is intercepted and parsed by GalleryWatch. However, the text file is only one possibility for data exchange. Other trigger methods are also available. Label printing with data from SAP R/3 is possible with GalleryWatch. SAP R/3 prepares all necessary data to be used on the label. GalleryWatch detects the data, uses it on the label and triggers the label production. For more information about GalleryWatch please refer to the Label Gallery TruePro documentation.

Explained later in the document. Refer to the chapter Upload Method on page 6

Printing labels from SAP R3

1.6 GalleryCommands
GalleryCommands represent commands that can be used for automated label production. GalleryCommands must be written one per line in the batch file (JOB file). Label production can be started from Label Gallery, GalleryWatch or directly from a command line. For more information about GalleryCommands please see the Label Gallery User Guide.

Printing labels from SAP R3

2 Printing methods
2.1 Introduction
This white paper presents the options for bar code label printing from SAP R/3. It describes the fundamentals of different printing methods and provides the pros and cons for each method. The available output methods for label printing from SAP R/3 are: Upload Method (SAPscript) The labels are created in Label Gallery software and uploaded into R3 through SAPscript programming. This easy method is commonly used but lacks some functionality that is available with the other methods. The label can be printed only to the printer for which the export was made. Automated Printing (Middleware) The labels are created and printed in Label Gallery software that acts as a middle-ware on some PC computer. The data for the label coming from SAP system is processed by Label Gallery software, which produces the appropriate printer command file and sends it to the printer. The same label design can be printed to multiple printers, not just one. Batch printing JOB command files (Middleware) Similar to Automated Printing, only the incoming file with data from SAP is formatted differently.

SAP recommends Upload Method, but with the PC-based labeling software (middleware) Label Gallery you can also use the Automated Printing or Batch Printing options that will give you more versatility and freedom for your label layouts. There are some other methods to print labels from SAP R/3 that are not connected to the Label Gallery software. Those two methods will be mentioned briefly in the document. SAPWin Direct printing from SAP (SAP Smart Forms)

2.1.1 Upload Method

The upload method has been recommended by SAP as the most popular way to print bar code labels. You can use Label Gallery software for bar code label design and preparation of the ITF file. The ITF file contains description of the label. To actually prepare the ITF file use the command Export to SAP in Label Gallery Pro. The SAPscript ITF file is uploaded to SAP R/3 system and labels with bar codes are printed directly from SAP system without any middleware or additional label processing. This operation is also very user friendly because there is no need for users to understand the printers programming language. Label Gallery software is used solely for label design. After you have designed the label with Label Gallery, SAP R/3 handles all procedures. You do not have to maintain any middleware solution. For detailed information about the Upload method please refer to the chapter Upload method explained step by step on page 12.

Printing labels from SAP R3

Advantages Advanced label design with Label Gallery Completely integrated within SAP R/3 Fast printing

Description It is possible to use almost all Label Gallery features. No PC needed for label production. Usage of GalleryDrivers speed up label production because of the optimized printer stream. Label can be changed easily and fast with Label Gallery software. There is no need to change the ITF file by hand. The label is designed in graphic environment and then exported to ITF file. There is no need to be familiar with the printer's programming language. Label Gallery will prepare the proper printer command file.

Easy modifications to label designs

No programming knowledge required

Disadvantages More work for setting up printing of bitmap graphics and text elements formatted in True Type fonts

Description Not all thermal printers can print such elements when using Upload method. Workaround with separate download of such elements can be used with some printer models but not all of them. When using such workaround, all graphics have to be downloaded to printer's internal memory before they can be used on the printer. The application GalleryMemMaster (part of Label Gallery TruePro edition) must be used. Printer has to be able to receive nonbinary escape codes. SAP system has a strict data format for SAPscript ITF text file. Printer commands cannot include characters below ASCII code 32. Not all thermal printers support this and in such case the command Export to SAP in Label Gallery software cannot be selected. Binary files cannot be uploaded, which prevents the use of Asian characters. Not all Label Gallery functionalities and objects are available for the exported label. For example, limitations apply to text wrapping, best fit and justification options.

Non-binary escape codes support in the printer

No Unicode support

Limited label design possibilities

Printing labels from SAP R3

Limited support for EAN.UCC 128 bar code standard

Thermal printers usually cannot handle printing of EAN.UCC 128 bar codes by themselves. The syntax of the bar code requires some processing before bar code can be printed (check digits, Application Identifiers with variable lengths, nonprintable characters).

2.1.2 Automated Printing

With automated printing, SAP R/3 system prepares a file with the data for the label. In most cases this is the text file formatted as CSV file or the file with columns of fixed widths. The fields in the file contain the values for fields on the label, for example article code, article description, bar code, image of the product, etc. The appearance or change in the file is a signal for Label Gallery software to print the bar code labels. GalleryWatch application takes action here. GalleryWatch application opens the text file, gets the values from it, sends the values to the label opened in Label Gallery Pro and instructs Label Gallery Plus to start printing the required amount of labels to the selected printer. GalleryWatch runs as a middleware on the PC computer, accepting input connections and instructing Label Gallery Plus (the main label printing application) what to do. GalleryWatch can be run as a service application on the Windows computer. If there is a need for additional data manipulation, it can be done in GalleryWatch using the internal support for MS Visual Basic Script. Even powerful data manipulation is available in Label Gallery Plus. Besides Visual Basic Script, additional internal Label Gallery functions are available. You can also acquire some additional data from any database, which you can combine with data from SAP R3. Label Gallery software provides support for all common linear and two-dimensional bar codes. Even if your thermal printer does not internally support some bar code type, it can still be printed as image on the label. Label Gallery will generate such image at print time and put it on the label. The automated printing method is a universal solution for any kind of thermal printer you might have. Advantages Fast printing Description Usage of GalleryDrivers speed up label production because of the optimized printer stream. GalleryDrivers are available for all major printer brands. An optimized printer command file is generated for each supported printer model. There is no need to be familiar with the printer's programming language, Label Gallery will prepare the proper printer command file. Label can be changed easily and fast with Label Gallery software. There is no need to change the ITF file by hand. The label is designed in graphic environment and then exported to ITF file. It is possible to use bitmap graphics and True Type fonts with no limitation. All Label Gallery functions are available.

No programming knowledge required

Easy modifications of label designs

Usage of Bitmap graphics and TrueType fonts

Printing labels from SAP R3

Support for advanced label layouts

Because Label Gallery software is processing and printing the labels, all advanced label design functionality is available for you: use of variable images on the label, printing of variable True Type text elements, including Paragraph and RTF objects, text justification and scaling etc. The labels are processed and printed on-demand on the fly. You can create the label layout once and use it for printing to many printers. A set of wizards and intuitive approach to the workflow help you set up and test the label printing system in minutes. Label Gallery processes the label data. Because Label Gallery supports EAN.UCC 128 bar code generation, every possible combination of Application Identifiers is supported. There is a true Unicode support available in Label Gallery software, so you can create labels with Easter European, Middle-Eastern and Asian languages easily.

Support for printers from different manufacturers

The solution is set up and deployed easily

Full support for EAN.UCC 128 bar codes

Unicode support

Disadvantages PC needed for data detection and label production

Description Additional PC is needed for automatic data detection and label production. Label Gallery software (Label Gallery Pro and GalleryWatch) is installed on this computer. This adds up to the overall costs (installation, maintenance etc). The connection is not as tightly integrated with SAP R/3 as with upload method. There might be a slight delay in label print because of the external data processing and printing.

Printing from middleware

2.1.3 Batch printing - JOB command files

Batch printing provides almost the same functionality as automated printing method. The major difference between automated printing and batch printing methods is in the type of file prepared by SAP R/3 system. Automated printing method prepares a text file with data for the labels. GalleryWatch needs to parse this file to extract the values for fields on the label and send the values to Label Gallery Plus. Batch printing method prepares a JOB file with description of label printing process. A JOB file contains GalleryCommands that exactly describe the printing process.
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GalleryWatch detects the appearance or change of the JOB file and starts the label production. GalleryWatch does not have to do anything except for following the GalleryCommands in the JOB file. With batch printing method there is another new possibility to skip GalleryWatch entirely. SAP R/3 can start Label Gallery Plus and provide the file name of the created batch JOB file in the command-line options. When JOB file appears in the Label Gallery Plus command-line, the commands in the JOB file will be executed. In such cases, you do not need the Label Gallery TruePro edition but only the Label Gallery Plus edition. For more information about JOB files, GalleryCommands and automatic printing using GalleryWatch please refer to the Integration and Connectivity White Paper which you can download from the Label Gallery website at www.satoworldwide.com.

2.1.4 ActiveX integration (SAP Business One)

SAP has developed the low-price solution SAP Business One (SBO) that gives small and midsize businesses (SMBs) an immediate and complete view of their business operations and customers. It is developed for small companies that require less complex industryspecific functionality from SAP IT solutions. Different third-party software solutions exist that act as an interface between SBO and rd Label Gallery software. The 3 party solution links both applications. Such solution can be an ActiveX component activated on an HTML page. The application acts as an additional window of SBO. On one end the application uses direct access to the SBO database in order to retrieve the desired data. On the other end it employs Label Gallery's ActiveX interface to activate it as a label printing server. Such approach with 3rd party application allows the user to use all the powerful functions of Label Gallery software in designing and printing the label. When the user selects the print command in such third-party solution the application obtains the necessary data for the label from the SBO system and transfers the data to Label Gallery to print the label. For more information about ActiveX integration please refer to the ActiveX Programming Guide which can be downloaded from Label Gallery website www.satoworldwide.com. Advantages The same advantages that apply to 'Automated printing' method Description The printing principle is the same as for 'Automated printing' because Label Gallery software is processing and printing the labels. The third-party software is developed based on customer's requirements. It is easy to use and provides answers to all user needs.

Accustomed solution for the end user.

Disadvantages The same disadvantages that apply to 'Automated printing' method

Description The printing principle is the same as for 'Automated printing' because Label Gallery software is processing and printing the labels. The third-party solution (interface between SAP and Label Gallery) needs to be developed or purchased.

Obtaining the third-party solution

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2.1.5 SAPWin
SAP R/3 also supports printing with Windows drivers using the SAPWin device type and SAPlpd. Advantages Support for all printers Description All printers that have windows driver can be used for printing via SAPWin device type.

Disadvantages PC computer Slow printing

Description Additional PC is needed for printing. No printing optimization is available (internal elements, downloaded graphics, etc.). Bar codes are not supported as with other methods of printing. You need to have some programming knowledge because you need to create the file with printer commands yourself. There is no Label Gallery software to generate the ITF file or print labels automatically.

No bar code support Deep knowledge of printer commands (programming language)

2.1.6 Direct printing from SAP (SAP Smart Forms)

SAP R/3 natively supports any printer using PCL-5, Postscript, Prescribe or Line Printer emulation. The label with bar codes and form for output from SAP applications are created in the familiar Smart Forms environment and printed from SAP directly. There is no need for any additional software, licenses or PC computers. Simplicity is the biggest advantage of printing bar codes directly from SAP. The user is not confronted with any new labeling software. The familiar environment is used for label design and print. Advantages No PC computer needed Description No PC computer, middleware, or Windows drivers are required for printing. No extra costs for hardware or software equipment are necessary. Printing directly to printer. Completely integrated with SAP R/3.

Fast printing Integrated with SAP R/3

Disadvantages Printer programming knowledge required Poor design environment

Description Printing commands are manually programmed. You have to know printer commands and their syntax. Label design environment is not as powerful as the one of the Label

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Gallery Plus application. Not so many different label elements and formatting features are available. Poor support for thermal printers Poor support for bar codes Does not support label printing to all thermal printers.3 Does not support any bar codes.4

2.2 Upload method explained step by step

2.2.1 Requirements for the Upload method
If you want to use Upload method for label printing from SAP R/3 system, you must meet the following: Requirements GalleryDriver for the printer model Description Install GalleryDriver for your printer model. Without GalleryDriver the Export to SAP functionality is not available. Export to SAP functionality is only available in Label Gallery TruePro edition. GalleryDriver prepares the printer stream with instructions for the printer. Based on these instructions (programming commands) the printer prints the label. To be able to print labels from SAP R/3, the printer must support instructions that are sent to it using alternate escape codes. No character below ASCII code 32 must be sent to the printer. Not all printers comply with this demand. When you are using fixed text elements (formatted in True Type fonts) or images on the label, they all are sent to the printer as graphic elements. If your printer model does not support printing of graphic elements from SAP R/3, such elements cannot be used on the label. Your printer might still print graphic elements directly from Label Gallery software, but SAP R/3 demands different syntax when printing them and this syntax is not applicable to all printers.

Label Gallery TruePro edition

Printer with support for alternate escape codes (above ASCII code 32)

Printer with support for graphic printing from SAP R/3

3 4

Support for ZPL (Zebra Programming Language) was recently added. Support for bar codes on Zebra printers was recently added thru support for ZPL.

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2.2.2 Step 1: Designing label with Label Gallery

Design the label using Label Gallery software on a Windows-based PC computer. Please note that the Upload method of label printing is not available for all thermal printers. An easy way to verify the method is to check if the command Export to SAP is available in the Export submenu under the File menu. If the command is available, the connected printer supports the required functionality and the necessary ITF file can be generated. Define the R/3 form fields on the PC In Label Gallery software define prompted variable fields on the label. During print process these fields will be filled with the data from SAP R/3 system. Make sure they are defined as prompt variables, not database variables, function variables etc. Each variable field in the label has its own unique name. You can define variable names similar to the actual R/3 field names, for example MATNR. This approach will simplify the connection process later, when you will need to make links between variables on the label with variables in the SAP R/3 system. However, the field names may not be just any length. Therefore, the complete R/3 field names might not be directly used. For better preview of the label you are designing, assign some value to these prompted variables and make sure to enable Data View on the label. Current values will be displayed with elements on the label simplifying the design. Use the same approach for the bar codes. Assign some value to their variables, such as 12345678 for eight-digit numeric bar code. Define text fields Label Gallery allows both internal printer fonts and True Type fonts to be used with the text elements. Please note, variable text elements can only be formatted in resident printer fonts. Fixed text elements can be formatted as resident fonts or True Type fonts. When printing fixed text formatted in True Type font, convert the text to graphic and sent it the printer as an image. It depends on the printer model if you can print text elements formatted as True Types or not. If you are not sure about your printer, do the following: Select the command Export to SAP in Label Gallery software. If there is anything wrong with the label design, you will see an error message. If the printer cannot print True Type fonts from SAP R/3 system, the system will warn you and you can correct the label design. But in general, all variable fields on the label must use the printers internal fonts. If you want to use TrueType fonts, you must download them to the memory card on the printer using the application GalleryMemMaster. GalleryMemMaster is part of the Label Gallery TruePro edition. However, downloading fonts with GalleryMemMaster is not available for all printer types. Please refer to the documentation of GalleryMemMaster for more information. Define bitmap graphics It depends on your printer model whether you can use bitmap graphics on the label or not (for example, to include your company logo as .BMP file). If you are not sure if your printer can print graphics in SAP R/3 mode, use the same test as for text fields: Select the command Export to SAP in Label Gallery software. If there is anything wrong with the label design, you will see an error message. If the printer cannot print graphics from SAP R/3 system, the system will warn you and you can correct the label design. If you need to print graphic elements on printers that do not support direct printing of graphics from SAP, you can download these images to the memory card and recall them from the card. Use GalleryMemMaster application to download images to memory cards. However, the feature for image downloads is not available for all printer types. Please refer to the documentation of GalleryMemMaster for more information.

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Apply different printer settings If you need to modify the printer settings, now is the time to do so. You can change standard settings like print speed, darkness and label media but also advanced settings like enabling the cutter or specifying different sensor type. These options can be set using the command Printer Settings in the File menu. The printer settings will be saved into the label file and recalled every time you open the label with Label Gallery software.

2.2.3 Step 2: Downloading label definition into the ITF file

When you have designed the label, you need to export it to a properly formatted text file that is readable by the SAP R/3 system. This is the ITF file. To generate the ITF file, select the command Export to SAP in the Export submenu of File menu. If there is anything wrong with your label design and it cannot be exported to ITF format, you will see an error message explaining the problem. Correct the problem and try to export the label again. If there are not any variable elements on the label, but only fixed ones, the label will be exported immediately. The location of the exported ITF file will be displayed on the screen. If you have variable elements on the label, you will need to link them to appropriate variable from the SAP R/3 system. A dialog box with the list of label variable will open. Select each of the variables listed and provide the name of the SAP variable you want to link to it. Enter the actual R/3 field name here, for example, VBAK-KUNNR. NOTE! Do NOT enter the & (ampersand) in the name of the variables. Ampersand is only used in SAPscript for indicating the variables. Label Gallery software automatically creates the ampersand during the export. The result of the export process is a file formatted in the SAPscript ITF format. This file resides on your PC computer in the subdirectory Labels in the My Documents folder structure. The location of this folder can be modified in Label Gallery preferences. The file name is identical to that of your label and the file extension is .ITF.

2.2.4 Step 3: Uploading label file to SAPscript

When you have the ITF file with label description ready, you must upload it to your SAP system and make it available for printing. Use the standard text editor (Transaction SO10) to upload the print file to SAPscript. However, SO10 is only used here as "temporary storage" for the print file before you insert the print file into a form window. Create a new standard text with any name. In the text editor load the created print file (.ITF file) with the function "Text->Upload" and select "ASCII" as a format. Store the ITF print file as a standard text.

2.2.5 Step 4: Adjusting SAPscript form

To print the label, you must adjust the SAPscript form by using the SAPscript form maintenance (Transaction SE71). The MAIN window must extend over the entire page format (for example, DINA4). There may be no upper and left border between MAIN and the border of the page. You should delete all the windows except for the MAIN. If not deleted, then these windows should at least not contain any more data to be output (you may need to deactivate texts).

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The MAIN window should only contain a text element that includes the label file that you just created. To reduce the line breaks to a minimum, the font in the layout set header can be set to COURIER 6 point. The name of this text element depends on the application program used by R/3. You can add the label file into this text element by copying the entire text from SO10 into the form window. If you need to define additional text elements in the MAIN that are called from the print program, you can leave these essentially unchanged because the printer ignores commands it does not recognize. Because of the easier maintenance, it is recommended that you deactivate unused texts in additional text elements of the MAIN window. The first page of the form should refer to itself as the next page because the label file in the MAIN window may be quite large particularly if graphics have been included.

2.2.6 Step 5: Creating a suitable R/3 device type

Generally, a special device type (a variant of the device type ASCIIPRI) must be used for the correct printout of the layout set on a label printer. SAP supplies these device types on the ftp server sapservX and delivers them in the standard SAP system. The device type ASCIIPRI can normally be used for the basic test of procedure with other label printers.

2.2.7 Step 6: Defining output device

As the last step, an output device (printer) must be set up in the R/3 with Transaction SPAD. The special device type or ASCIIPRI is assigned to this output device (printer). The application program must now use this output device to print the labels. The label printer connects itself to the R/3 via one of the standard available connection types in SAP R/3 (local print on the application server/removed print via lpd server/removed print via Windows PC and SAPlpd/frontend print). Your thermal printer must be connected to one of the available output channels for print output. Possible methods are: Output channel Local printing on the application server Remote printing via lpd host Remote printing via PC and SAPlpd Access Method L, C U U, P

It would be easiest to connect the printer to a Windows PC and install GalleryDriver Windows printer driver. Then start the output program SAPlpd. You can then define the printer with access method P or U in the spool administration (Transaction SPAD).

2.2.8 Special notes for SATO printers

For SATO Select SC_SAT as the device type. If this device type does not yet exist in your Release, download the device type ZLB_SAT from the SAP ftp server sapservX and import this (to do this, see Note 8928).

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3 Frequently Asked Questions

3.1 How can I change label design if I use upload method?
Making modification to the label design is quite simple. Just follow these steps. 1. Open the label design in Label Gallery Plus software on the PC computer. 2. Make the necessary modifications to the label. 3. Save the label. 4. Select the command Export to SAP. 5. Upload the new ITF file to SAP R/3 system. If there are any errors during the export, you will see an error message explaining the errors. Make the corrections and then perform the export again. When the new label is exported to ITF file, upload it to SAP R/3 system again as explained in the chapter Upload method explained step by step.

3.2 Does Upload method support EAN.UCC 128 bar code?

The quick answer is No. But read on to learn about a workaround that can be used to print EAN.UCC 128 bar code anyway. EAN.UCC 128 bar code in Label Gallery software is printed using one Label Gallery function. This function makes all calculations regarding bar code contents and interpretation. It makes sure the structure of the bar code is correct. However, in the Upload method Label Gallery software is not printing the labels. You just use the Export to SAP command that prepares the ITF file for you. Label Gallery software does not have control over label printing process and no Label Gallery function is available, including EAN.UCC 128 function. The workaround in this case is to simulate this function by yourself. For it to work, you must understand the basics of EAN.UCC 128 bar code structure. In fact, this is bar code Code 128 with specially structured contents. If you prepare the contents for your bar code according to standard, the result will be code EAN.UCC 128. Just put bar code Code 128 on the label and provide the proper contents for it. What you need to do is include a special character Function Code 1 <FNC1> in the beginning of the bar code contents. This will result in identifying bar code Code 128 as bar code EAN.UCC 128. If you need to decode Application Identifier 420 with value 12345 into the bar code, you will need to prepare the following data stream and feed it to the bar code Code128. Example: <FNC1>42012345 Description: Code128 with the upper contents is the same as EAN.UCC 128 bar code for application identifier 420. For each application identifier there are separated specifications that can be found in EAN.UCC 128 bar code standard. In the above sample a fixed data is encoded in the bar code. You can also use the variable data that is encoded in the bar code. Your Code 128 bar code on the label must be linked to the appropriate variable on the label. When you make the export to SAP, the

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resulting ITF file will link the bar code on the label with one variable from SAP R/3 system. You have to be aware that SAP R/3 must provide the formatted contents for the bar code element. That means you have to include on the label the data for the Application Identifier, the leading <FNC1> character, and the mark for the Application Identifier (420 in the example above).

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4 Appendix
Label Gallery Product Overview
Label Gallery is the most advanced professional labeling software for desktop and enterprise users. Label Gallery offers an easy-to-use interface and meets any label design and printing requirement for efficient label printing solutions to users in retail, logistics, health care, chemical, automotive and other industries. Label Gallery TruePro: Complete software solution for any kind of label design and print requirement. Multiple connectivity options allow users to perform stand-alone printing or integrate label printing into any network environment. Label Gallery TruePro provides you with interactive label printing capabilities such as integrating label printing to existing applications (ActiveX) or non-programming embedding of label printing to existing systems (GalleryWatch). Label Gallery Plus: Full-featured software designed for professional label design and printing, including complete database support and ActiveX integration possibilities. A wide range of features and options makes Label Gallery Plus a perfect and easy-to-use tool for any labeling requirement. Label Gallery Easy: Wizard-based software meeting basic barcode labeling needs. The entrylevel software includes many design elements of the Plus edition with the emphasis on simplified user interaction. Label Gallery Plus Print Only: Label Gallery Plus Print Only offers printing of pre-designed labels but cannot be used to design and alter existing labels. Advanced settings for changing the labels are not available. Label Gallery TruePro Print Only: Label Gallery TruePro Print Only offers printing of predesigned labels, using pre-designed forms and automatic printing from pre-designed trigger actions. Label Gallery TruePro Print Only cannot be used to design and alter existing labels, forms and trigger configuration. Advanced settings for changing the labels are not available. Pocket Label Gallery: Pocket Label Gallery is a program package for Windows CE that brings the power of label printing to portable Windows CE computers (Windows Mobile Device). Pocket Label Gallery is part of the editions Label Gallery TruePro or Label Gallery Pocket PC Designer. Label Gallery Engine: Label Gallery Engine is an ActiveX integrator edition of Label Gallery software developed for software publishers who need label printing capabilities in their software. Label Gallery Engine can be embedded in existing information systems or existing applications to provide support for label printing. Label Gallery Engine provides all label printing functionality of the Label Gallery software.

Printing labels from SAP R3

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